Missing the boat?

[Walt]

Saturday and Sunday are the two days many of us have the most time on our hands. That's likely to be even more so during the winter.

One of the features of winter gallops racing are the jumps. I look at both today and tomorrow and not a single jumps race in NZ. 

No NZ harness racing at all today. It was Saturday grass track harness meetings that got me into the game. As a young fella I'd chase after the double and concession which invariably included a 3200 metre feature race. 

I look at tomorrow and there is a crappy low grade meeting at Addington that has about as much appeal as flat warm beer. I'll check the results next week in the same manner I do with trials.  I miss the provincial harness meetings in NZ, especially around the South Island.  

If the decision makers in the game are trying to encourage punters to put their cue in the rack and go do something else, they are to be congratulated. They've been successful. 

I have six adult offspring. None of them or their partners are punters. Apart from the odd exception none of my fairly large social circle are punters. The product being offered will struggle to retain the rapidly aging dinosaur customer base the TAB have now, so where are the future punters going to come from?  It's easy to see why so many TAB's have closed down. Perhaps hippo and camel racing will save the industry. 

Will the last to leave please turn the lights out.

[Brodie]

There are very few punters oncourse nowadays compared to what there were a decade or so ago! 
Awhile ago it was muted that the courses were only going to have self service machines at most of the meetings, therefore doing away with the ticket sellers!

Seriously, as Walt has pointed out, it is very hard to understand the thinking of a lot of the decisions being made!

Yes times have indeed changed but certainly not for the better!

Harness racing to enthusiasts is a great sport however there needs to be better decision making to attract new people to it, or it will be killed off in the next decade or so!

 

 

Edited June 10, 2022 by Brodie

[mikeynz]

16 minutes ago, Brodie said:

There are very few punters oncourse nowadays compared to what there were a decade or so ago! 
Awhile ago it was muted that the courses were only going to have self service machines at most of the meetings, therefore doing away with the ticket sellers!

Seriously, as Walt has pointed out, it is very hard to understand the thinking of a lot of the decisions being made!

Yes times have indeed changed but certainly not for the better!

Harness racing to enthusiasts is a great sport however there needs to be better decision making to attract new people to it, or it will be killed off in the next decade or so!

 

 

Are you gunna turn out tomorrow and for the next nine weeks to watch the same old fuckin  shit ?

Probably not and probably fuck all else will.

The people in charge say everything's going well but then as the government says the same I'm not sure if this is for real or just fucking bullshit

Edited June 10, 2022 by mikeynz

[the galah]

Tomorrow is a far more attractive betting meeting in my opinion than last nights auckland fileds.

Its all very well to reminisce about days gone by,but people must realise at this time of year there are less numbers in work and obviously no grass tracks. Besides,aren't tomorrows fields just the same class of horses that make the bulk of grass track racing that everyone likes? How can they be good one week and crappy the next?

I think some posters comments just mirror how they see many things,not just racing.

As regards harness racing,it seems now days that the negative is always being accentuated and the positives are being pushed to one side.

I think its gotten worse in the  last couple of years by having a government that pushed agendas that undermined so many thoughts and values that previous generations still believe in,and has weaponised fear,and that has effected the way people think. But thats a whole different subject.

On a positive,mikeynz has been referring to the new harness channel and asking for comment. well i think its very good and reflects well many of the things that makes harness racing fun.

One of the most positive things you get to see is the pleasure and satisfaction those lucky enough to have success experience.It captures the moment. It also has given us a connection with the  horse. Wall to wall racing on trackside does none of that.

[Unhinged]

46 minutes ago, the galah said:

Tomorrow is a far more attractive betting meeting in my opinion than last nights auckland fileds.

Its all very well to reminisce about days gone by,but people must realise at this time of year there are less numbers in work and obviously no grass tracks. Besides,aren't tomorrows fields just the same class of horses that make the bulk of grass track racing that everyone likes? How can they be good one week and crappy the next?

I think some posters comments just mirror how they see many things,not just racing.

As regards harness racing,it seems now days that the negative is always being accentuated and the positives are being pushed to one side.

I think its gotten worse in the  last couple of years by having a government that pushed agendas that undermined so many thoughts and values that previous generations still believe in,and has weaponised fear,and that has effected the way people think. But thats a whole different subject.

On a positive,mikeynz has been referring to the new harness channel and asking for comment. well i think its very good and reflects well many of the things that makes harness racing fun.

One of the most positive things you get to see is the pleasure and satisfaction those lucky enough to have success experience.It captures the moment. It also has given us a connection with the  horse. Wall to wall racing on trackside does none of that.

Galah you make far to much sense, getting people to the race's is vital for the survival of our industry.  This time of year why wouldn't you want to be at the course with the best facilities.  Certainly over summer grass track and country racing is the window to our industry,  unfortunately alot of the facilities at these tracks have slipped . Personally I don't think the current funding model rewards clubs enough or at all on turnover or attendance figures. As for Trot Night TV , I have been trying to help them out with content, I absolutely agree the current trackside channels do very little to encourage new participants so anything I can do to help I Certainly will, just incase you didn't know everything I do for our industry is voluntary. 

 

 

 

Edited June 11, 2022 by Unhinged

[Walt]

3 hours ago, the galah said:

Tomorrow is a far more attractive betting meeting in my opinion than last nights auckland fileds.

Its all very well to reminisce about days gone by,but people must realise at this time of year there are less numbers in work and obviously no grass tracks. Besides,aren't tomorrows fields just the same class of horses that make the bulk of grass track racing that everyone likes? How can they be good one week and crappy the next?

I think some posters comments just mirror how they see many things,not just racing.

As regards harness racing,it seems now days that the negative is always being accentuated and the positives are being pushed to one side.

I think its gotten worse in the  last couple of years by having a government that pushed agendas that undermined so many thoughts and values that previous generations still believe in,and has weaponised fear,and that has effected the way people think. But thats a whole different subject.

On a positive,mikeynz has been referring to the new harness channel and asking for comment. well i think its very good and reflects well many of the things that makes harness racing fun.

One of the most positive things you get to see is the pleasure and satisfaction those lucky enough to have success experience.It captures the moment. It also has given us a connection with the  horse. Wall to wall racing on trackside does none of that.

the galah,

I wasn't expecting a fellow punter to have a crack at my personality type for pointing out my take on this weekends racing matters and how things need to improve if the TAB want to retain their client base. I'm afraid I need a better reason to be interested in tomorrows low grade (crap) meeting at Addington than it being better than last nights Auckland meeting. I live in Auckland and the weather last night made the meeting less reliable and therefore less appealing to me anyway.

Yes, I'm guilty of a bit of reminiscing. What sparked my interest in the game as a boy in the 70's is not something I'll forget anytime soon. If I was starting out now I'm not sure I'd be interested for very long. Just saying. 

I'm pleased you find Addington's low stake Sunday meeting appealing. I wish I was as easily pleased. I prefer higher staked meaningful races that you can be more confident the connections have their charge nailed down for and would be disappointed if they didn't win or at least come close. Experience has taught me not to wager my hard earned on meetings where there is greater chance of seeing runners having "quiet runs". Perhaps that's just me being negative. I will however go to the HRNZ site and watch replays next week as they are invariably useful regardless of what type of meeting it is. That said, I also place value on trial replays. 

As for my other critique. I find most winter gallops meetings a bit of the same old same old. Meetings like the Eagle Farm meeting today are not in that category. I find that sort of quality racing very appealing. 

What is a winter highlight for me is jumps racings. Sadly, the very thing that keeps me interested in the winter is on the decline here. It's normal now to see jumps racing replaced with highweights. Not having a single jumps race in NZ this weekend disappoints me but is no surprise. If it's wrong to say that I'll STFU and keep my perspective to myself in future. 

Good luck on the punt tomorrow. I hope you find a few winners. 

 

[the galah]

3 hours ago, Unhinged said:

Galah you make far to much sense, getting people to the race's is vital for the survival of our industry.  This time of year why wouldn't you want to be at the course with the best facilities.  Certainly over summer grass track and country racing is the window to our industry,  unfortunately alot of the facilities at these tracks have slipped . Personally I don't think the current funding model rewards clubs enough or at all on turnover or attendance figures. As for Trot Night TV , I have been trying to help them out with content, I absolutely agree the current trackside channels do very little to encourage new participants so anything I can do to help I Certainly will, just incase you didn't know everything I do for our industry is voluntary. 

 

 

 

You have a down to earth way that seems to be able to interact with anyone,and from any walk of life.Whats  clear as well is you have a love of the animal and that is something which you are able to get those you interview to express as well.I think that is what makes this racing channel such an interesting watch. Jo stevens(if thats how you spell it) is also very good.I like both presenters,they are natural and interact well.While Jason teaz's commentating talents aren't utilised as much as they deserve,it has meant we have been lucky enough to see him end up on this channel.

Harness racing isn't just all about getting the last $ out of the punter which is why to me this channel is a real bonus We watched it from start to finish this week.I just hope people become more aware of what it offers.

[the galah]

34 minutes ago, Walt said:

the galah,

I wasn't expecting a fellow punter to have a crack at my personality type for pointing out my take on this weekends racing matters and how things need to improve if the TAB want to retain their client base. I'm afraid I need a better reason to be interested in tomorrows low grade (crap) meeting at Addington than it being better than last nights Auckland meeting. I live in Auckland and the weather last night made the meeting less reliable and therefore less appealing to me anyway.

Yes, I'm guilty of a bit of reminiscing. What sparked my interest in the game as a boy in the 70's is not something I'll forget anytime soon. If I was starting out now I'm not sure I'd be interested for very long. Just saying. 

I'm pleased you find Addington's low stake Sunday meeting appealing. I wish I was as easily pleased. I prefer higher staked meaningful races that you can be more confident the connections have their charge nailed down for and would be disappointed if they didn't win or at least come close. Experience has taught me not to wager my hard earned on meetings where there is greater chance of seeing runners having "quiet runs". Perhaps that's just me being negative. I will however go to the HRNZ site and watch replays next week as they are invariably useful regardless of what type of meeting it is. That said, I also place value on trial replays. 

As for my other critique. I find most winter gallops meetings a bit of the same old same old. Meetings like the Eagle Farm meeting today are not in that category. I find that sort of quality racing very appealing. 

What is a winter highlight for me is jumps racings. Sadly, the very thing that keeps me interested in the winter is on the decline here. It's normal now to see jumps racing replaced with highweights. Not having a single jumps race in NZ this weekend disappoints me but is no surprise. If it's wrong to say that I'll STFU and keep my perspective to myself in future. 

Good luck on the punt tomorrow. I hope you find a few winners. 

 

I wasn't having a crack at your personality. I was aware what i posted could be interpreted that  way,but left it as it was. The negative thinking as related to aspects of life comment, related to how i view a lot of mikeynz comments.Maybe i should have been more specific.He might wonder why i said that,but then again maybe he already knows how he comes across sometimes. I'm not saying he should change,just thats what i think.

Your review of  racing on 2 june was a topic that i found interesting because it was an  interpretation from a like minded person.The only thing i would have like to have read was your view on the couple of races that you said hadn't taken your interest.Racing at the lower grade meetings can often be more competitive than the higher grade races with small fields in my opinion,which is why all meetings have the same potential to me.

Edited June 11, 2022 by the galah

[the galah]

1 hour ago, the galah said:

I

Your review of  racing on 2 june was a topic that i found interesting because it was an  interpretation from a like minded person.The only thing i would have like to have read was your view on the couple of races that you said hadn't taken your interest.

Actually Walt that was meant to read the only "extra." thing..Your reviews of racing whether they be the non win at  hawera or  the addington ones  interest me.

[Brodie]

Hopefully it isnt wet at Addington tomorrow.

Some good races to invest on!

Be fair if the NZ TAB would bring in a minimum net collect of $2k on all wagers!

They really do need to be encouraging punters to offload as turnover will drop otherwise!

[mikeynz]

13 hours ago, mikeynz said:

Are you gunna turn out tomorrow and for the next nine weeks to watch the same old fuckin  shit ?

Probably not and probably fuck all else will.

The people in charge say everything's going well but then as the government says the same I'm not sure if this is for real or just fucking bullshit

Hey people I was probably over the top regarding the racing being shit, that's a bit harsh but for the next month or three with the Sunday's at Addington is an indication of what could happen if all the tracks were shut and only a few left, if Timaru and Rangiora were closed then where  would they race, variety is the spice of life.

Sure it caters for the lower classes but one wonders sometimes if  there is a bit of overkill, quantity replacing quality.

As I said before the powers that be say the are doing well turnover wise, maybe they are, maybe not.

[Walt]

11 hours ago, the galah said:

I wasn't having a crack at your personality. I was aware what i posted could be interpreted that  way,but left it as it was. The negative thinking as related to aspects of life comment, related to how i view a lot of mikeynz comments.Maybe i should have been more specific.He might wonder why i said that,but then again maybe he already knows how he comes across sometimes. I'm not saying he should change,just thats what i think.

Your review of  racing on 2 june was a topic that i found interesting because it was an  interpretation from a like minded person.The only thing i would have like to have read was your view on the couple of races that you said hadn't taken your interest.Racing at the lower grade meetings can often be more competitive than the higher grade races with small fields in my opinion,which is why all meetings have the same potential to me.

I appreciate you clarifying that. 

I do love the game and enjoy many of the people within it. Linking up my enjoyment of racing / punting with being an expressive communicator sees me wanting to share perspectives and read those of like minded dinosaurs.

Timelines fade but about 20 odd years ago I landed on a racing website run by a couple of people named Dave and Ange. It was often the first website I'd drop into each day. Then they had a couple of ownerships changes and before long the site became toxic and unappealing. Bias was evident to the point contributors could give feedback on certain things in the game while other people were a protected species. It was something entirely different than a site protecting it's self from potential legal challenges. I saw banning threats dished out like confetti and wanted no part of such a site.

Trackside TV is sanitized and in that regard also lacks authenticity. We need differing perspectives to take in and which also help examine our own and evolve. Having a set-up that only allows input that agrees with the narrative being pushed is unhealthy, unhelpful and unappealing. Same applies with the presenters you hire and "let go". I very much enjoyed Jim Smith but Jim had a terrible habit of being "real". He was exactly what the game needed then bye bye Jim. I'm very pleased to see Jason Teaz back on the airwaves again. His input is accurate and stimulating. He's also authentic. I'm not a big fan of the main fella that covers every harness race in NZ on Trackside these days. He may be a thoroughly decent guy but he's like 1970's wallpaper and the perfect antidote for insomnia. He steers well away from anything colourful or humourous which are two important factors in presentations I value. This side of the game needs to be lifted. The guy I'm talking about has a place in the game for sure but it should not be in front of a camera especially as the only show in town. Landing on this site was a breath of fresh air. I notice input from contributors I recognize from days gone by so I feel they could relate to my comments about that other once good site.

It's fairly typical of me to look ahead a few days at upcoming race-days and plan my day around them. When I looked on Thursday at what was upcoming, I found key ingredients missing and knew I wouldn't be involved. That usually means the lawns will get mowed and other neglected tasks around home would get attention. Perhaps if my wife had put up a post she would have thanked the TAB for having her man back for a few days and asked the TAB for more ordinary race meetings. 

I should clarify my perspective on low grade meetings. Addington is a superb course but if today's meeting was at Methven for example, I'd be interested in watching them live. 

I don't wager very often and have no restrictions on my account despite having a high strike rate. Main reason for that I believe is my style of betting. Trifecta's and trebles are my main bet of choice. I do have the occasional win bet but only when I consider it money for old rope. I don't wager big amounts to scare the tiny bollocks of the TAB. If I had restrictions put on my betting I'd tell them to far koff and go elsewhere. 

I do my homework which is an important part of my strike rate but feel certain there is an even bigger reason. I generally only wager on meaningful race meetings, especially ones not rain affected. The form and ability is exposed and you know every horse there is nailed down and has one mission. Obtain their best possible placing.  I couldn't possibly say that about today's meeting but in saying that, I appreciate many good punters are successful at these types of meetings and enjoy them as much as I enjoy the higher quality meetings. Good luck to them. 

Cheers.

[hunterthepunter]

1 hour ago, Walt said:

I appreciate you clarifying that. 

I do love the game and enjoy many of the people within it. Linking up my enjoyment of racing / punting with being an expressive communicator sees me wanting to share perspectives and read those of like minded dinosaurs.

Timelines fade but about 20 odd years ago I landed on a racing website run by a couple of people named Dave and Ange. It was often the first website I'd drop into each day. Then they had a couple of ownerships changes and before long the site became toxic and unappealing. Bias was evident to the point contributors could give feedback on certain things in the game while other people were a protected species. It was something entirely different than a site protecting it's self from potential legal challenges. I saw banning threats dished out like confetti and wanted no part of such a site.

Trackside TV is sanitized and in that regard also lacks authenticity. We need differing perspectives to take in and which also help examine our own and evolve. Having a set-up that only allows input that agrees with the narrative being pushed is unhealthy, unhelpful and unappealing. Same applies with the presenters you hire and "let go". I very much enjoyed Jim Smith but Jim had a terrible habit of being "real". He was exactly what the game needed then bye bye Jim. I'm very pleased to see Jason Teaz back on the airwaves again. His input is accurate and stimulating. He's also authentic. I'm not a big fan of the main fella that covers every harness race in NZ on Trackside these days. He may be a thoroughly decent guy but he's like 1970's wallpaper and the perfect antidote for insomnia. He steers well away from anything colourful or humourous which are two important factors in presentations I value. This side of the game needs to be lifted. The guy I'm talking about has a place in the game for sure but it should not be in front of a camera especially as the only show in town. Landing on this site was a breath of fresh air. I notice input from contributors I recognize from days gone by so I feel they could relate to my comments about that other once good site.

It's fairly typical of me to look ahead a few days at upcoming race-days and plan my day around them. When I looked on Thursday at what was upcoming, I found key ingredients missing and knew I wouldn't be involved. That usually means the lawns will get mowed and other neglected tasks around home would get attention. Perhaps if my wife had put up a post she would have thanked the TAB for having her man back for a few days and asked the TAB for more ordinary race meetings. 

I should clarify my perspective on low grade meetings. Addington is a superb course but if today's meeting was at Methven for example, I'd be interested in watching them live. 

I don't wager very often and have no restrictions on my account despite having a high strike rate. Main reason for that I believe is my style of betting. Trifecta's and trebles are my main bet of choice. I do have the occasional win bet but only when I consider it money for old rope. I don't wager big amounts to scare the tiny bollocks of the TAB. If I had restrictions put on my betting I'd tell them to far koff and go elsewhere. 

I do my homework which is an important part of my strike rate but feel certain there is an even bigger reason. I generally only wager on meaningful race meetings, especially ones not rain affected. The form and ability is exposed and you know every horse there is nailed down and has one mission. Obtain their best possible placing.  I couldn't possibly say that about today's meeting but in saying that, I appreciate many good punters are successful at these types of meetings and enjoy them as much as I enjoy the higher quality meetings. Good luck to them. 

Cheers.

I would like to see Jason Teaz replace the all dressed up no were to go fella at race calling. and unhinged replace Cookson 

[Walt]

6 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said:

I would like to see Jason Teaz replace the all dressed up no were to go fella at race calling. and unhinged replace Cookson 

It's sinful to have a caller of Jason's ability on the sideline. It reflects very poorly on those in power making the decisions but once again highlights their agenda. Only have people on board that STFU and follow the vanilla narrative to the letter.

Aaron White is a very good caller .....of the gallops but I don't enjoy his harness calls. The ribbon of light, The Iceman, The Chief, The Wizard etc are nauseating terms. Jason should have replaced him several years ago. 

[the galah]

3 hours ago, Walt said:

It's sinful to have a caller of Jason's ability on the sideline. It reflects very poorly on those in power making the decisions but once again highlights their agenda. Only have people on board that STFU and follow the vanilla narrative to the letter.

Aaron White is a very good caller .....of the gallops but I don't enjoy his harness calls. The ribbon of light, The Iceman, The Chief, The Wizard etc are nauseating terms. Jason should have replaced him several years ago. 

I agree with you and hunter in that i think Teaz  is the commentator that should do the northern trots.We are well served with top commentators in nz of harness racing,but  mr Whites calls at the trots just lack a bit of something which is hard to put a finger on.They just seem to lack a bit of oomph.Yet somehow like you say,White seems good at the gallops and tops at the greyhounds. Its just the way it seems to me.